THE CARNIVAL OF BINCHE

The Carnival of Binche is a living and exceptional heritage, a popular, human and social event, recognized as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. During a few months, the inhabitants and the City prepare their Carnival, in a real communion, with the strong commitment from the family and carnival societies. The next Carnival will happen on the 26th, the 27th and, as highlight, the 28th of February 2017 with more than 1000 Gilles on Shrove Tuesday.

The origins ? Historians and folkloric experts which have been studying the carnival for a half century remains unclear. One thing is sure is that the origins of Carnival of Binche stay mysterious…The legend with the most success is the one of the Gilles descendant from the Incas. Those Incas would have appeared in costume during festivities organized by Marie from Hungary in 1549 to welcome her brother, Charles Quint and his nephew Philippe II. The inhabitants must have appreciated their exotic and colorful costume to perpetuate the procession in their own city.